Ease in transfer may spark workers influx
Gov. Pedro P. Tenorio yesterday cautioned against proposals to amend the Non-Resident Workers Act that would ease restrictions in the mobility of foreign workers to transfer to employers offering higher pay and better benefits.
The proposal to remove impediments in the transfer of non-residents was raised during a recent meeting of the Saipan Chamber of Commerce as a way of addressing federal allegations of indentured labor in the Commonwealth.
Under the proposal, employers will be guaranteed reimbursements for the cost of bringing in guest workers by the new employers and foreign workers can move to other companies that would provide better income.
But the governor said the proposal requires careful review because of its serious implication on his administration’s policy to curb dependence on foreign labor.
Tenorio expressed fear such changes in the law would only encourage entry of non-residents into the Northern Marianas.
“Even if there is a reimbursement provision it would still be unfair to employers,” he said in an interview. “My feeling is that when employer hired an employee, the employee is supposed to provide the service the employer needs.”
The proposal was put forward on the heels of increasing pressure from federal officials to apply US laws on labor and immigration in the Commonwealth.
A fourth annual report prepared by the Office of Insular Affairs say local officials have allowed the practice of indentured labor for years that denies the guest workers, mostly Asians, the freedom to chose employers.
Due to relatively high salary and proximity to Asia, the Northern Marianas has become a popular job destination. The islands is home to some 28,000 to 30,000 foreign workers, mostly from China, the Philippines and Bangladesh.
